Expanding economic opportunities for women

Context

Due to prolonged armed conflicts and an increasing number of climate-related natural disasters, poverty and a lack of economic prospects are growing among the population of Somalia – 70 per cent live below the poverty line and more than 7.1 million people are dependent on humanitarian aid.

Somali society is patriarchal, which often means that women are restricted to their role in the household. As a result, they are severely impacted by precarious circumstances. Equal economic and social participation is only possible to a limited extent.

Moreover, 99 per cent of all Somali women between the ages of 15 and 49 are affected by female genital mutilation. Conflict, drought and famine are fuelling structural violence and the abuse of women.

Women are primarily employed in informal work and in micro-enterprises. The economic contribution of women entrepreneurs is recognised and supported by society in part, but they lack access to value chains, financing opportunities, market information and training. There is a lack of information and economic prospects outside of sectors such as cosmetics, tailoring and food services.

Objective

The economic participation of women in Kismayo and Baidoa in Somalia has improved.

Apporach

The project:

• Develops the economic skills of the target group in Kismayo and Baidoa
• Develops the expertise of civil society, state and private sector organisations to support small and medium-sized enterprises
• Improves the coordination capacities of relevant stakeholders
• Is creating two exchange forums in Kismayo and Baidoa
• Is setting up gender-specific support services
• Instructs trainers on entrepreneurial resilience, coaching and mentoring
• Develops long-term business models for women in Kismayo and Baidoa
• Creates campaigns to disseminate the success stories of businesswomen

Last update: March 2024